We struck lucky with the weather again as our group met for the September walk in lovely sunshine. We may walk shorter distances, but we do not shy away from a challenge and this month’s walk include multiple stiles of varying heights and an elevation gain of over 300 feet in a short distance.
This month we set off from the Green Bridge over the Tees to hike up to Boldron. This meant a trek up Wyse hill, the terrain only starts to level out once you reach Wyse Farm. Taking the first of many stiles we took the footpaths over the fields towards Boldron. This is very much sheep country and unfortunately, we also came across a dead sheep. Picking up the Boldron Well circular walk we crossed a small packhorse bridge over Thorsgill Beck. This bridge is notable for having very low sides, this was to enable horses with panniers to cross over it. It was also notable for having a garden trampoline jammed up against it!
Heading up the field we came to the site of the well, also known as Athelstan’s Well. The well is now inside a stone enclosure and covered to keep debris out. It is thought the well was named after the first King of all England, Athelstan born around 895.He could well have used this well when leading his army over Stainmore. The well provided piped water to Boldron until mains water came to the village in 1958.
It was then a short distance into the village and some of our walkers were treated to the sight of a stoat, but it beat a hasty retreat on sighting us. We were grateful to take a few minutes rest at the picnic tables on the village green and were fascinated to learn that it is also a quoits pitch.
Our return journey via the village sewage farm took us over many more stiles to reach Wyse Farm again. From there it was a downhill walk back to Startforth and the Green Bridge.
Next months walk will be on October 26th.
Liz Colley